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DOWNGIRL
announce Debut EP
‘MANIC’
alongside menacing single
‘BOYS’
Listen HERE
Single Out August 18 | Debut EP ‘Manic’ Out September 22
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Previous Support for DOWNGIRL
‘Boys’ added to Apple Music’s New Music Daily and The New Rock
“Large growly sound and badass rock n roll vocals to follow. Very riot grrrl, love it!” 4 / 5 (Claire Mooney, Triple J) [About ‘2006’]
“Definitely the best I’ve heard from DOWNGIRL. This one feels vital and on fire.” 4 / 5 (Dave Ruby Howe, Triple J) [About ‘2006’]
“It’s rough around the edges, full of thick, in-your-face instrumentals, and lyrically scathing” (Hysteria Mag) [About ‘2006’]
“Full of punchy bass lines and roaring in-your-face guitars, 2006 is true Australian punk.” (Kill Your Stereo) [About ‘2006’]
‘Manic’ – RAGE Feature Video
“Downgirl tore it up like a wrecking machine made of the Runaways and Bikini Kill” (Brian Giffin – Loud Mag)
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DOWNGIRL, the fiery four-piece femme-punk band hailing from Gadigal Land, is set to unleash their highly anticipated debut EP, ‘Manic’, on September 22. Pre-orders for the EP have officially started alongside the release of the single ‘Boys’ and its accompanying music video.
With their no-holds-barred approach to punk and an unapologetically powerful sound, DOWNGIRL have a unique ability to inject powerful social commentary into their music. Their debut EP ‘Manic’, will be no exception. The 8-track EP featuring previously released singles ‘2006’ and title track ‘Manic’, is the result of the band channelling their rage and navigating their mental health. Each track on the EP captures the savage energy and brutal punk sound that they’ve become known for since the release of their debut single in 2022.
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‘Manic’ EP – Out September 22
Vinyl Pre-orders Start August 18
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Describing the EP, Lou Harbidge states, “The title, Manic, was lifted from our single of the same name. We chose it as it encapsulates our state of being when the band was in its infancy. This EP is a diary, charting our progress from our beginnings in the bedroom when we were physically separated to now, being in each other’s bloody pockets!”
The lead single, ‘Boys’, presents a straightforward critique of the enduring history of violence perpetrated by cisgender men. DOWNGIRL’s lighthearted approach in mocking these harmful attitudes is juxtaposed with the empowering music video that shines a spotlight on the LGBTQIA+ community. The video celebrates the strength and resilience of individuals who refuse to be diminished by oppressive constructs.
‘Boys’ showcases the band’s fierce punk edge with ominous basslines, rolling drums, and overdriven off-beat guitar stabs. Frontwoman Alexandra Neville’s powerful, growling vocals and screams deliver biting lyrics that put a spotlight on controversial societal norms. A menacing pre-chorus with the band sinisterly chanting “boys fighting boys fighting boys” then explodes into a wall of blood-bubbling punk. Kristen Adams rips out a cutting guitar solo before the slow-burning bridge that has Neville repeating the brutal, “he stands on god”, then adding, “wiping his boots on his face”. For the final round, she belts out a haunting scream with a volatile chorus to close the track.
Directed by Marguerite Lorraine Walsh, with Dan Knott as director of photography, the ‘Boys’ music video creates a powerful contrast to its thematic content serving as an empowering celebration of authenticity and resilience. Shot in a warehouse, it depicts a series of men in a stereotypical “manly” fashion – standing tall and looking strong, sporting singlets and sweatpants. Omnious shots of the band crowded around by the group of men, are followed by their hands grasping at their hair and faces. The menacing tone highlighting the systemic toxic masculinity is then contrasted as the clip slowly reveals the men with their own individualistic traits as they break free from oppressive societal constructs.
This ruthless single and clip offer up another impressive entry from DOWNGIRL ahead of the EP, and it can be caught being played live as the band have a slew of dates lined up between now and October in Sydney, Newcast
Strap up the hands and fight with ‘Boys’ (out now) in preparation for DOWNGIRL’s debut EP ‘Manic’ on September 22. Pre-order ‘Manic’ now here
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DOWNGIRL
Upcoming Shows
August 18 – The Servo, Port Kembla w/ Glitoris
August 20 – Crowbar, Sydney w/ Glitoris
September 9 – Thrashville Festival, Hunter Valley w/ COG, Mammal, CIVIC, Shady Nasty +
September 15 – The Newy, Newcastle w/ Magic Dirt
September 16 – Avalon RSL, Avalon Beach w/ Magic Dirt
September 22 – The Hive, Quenbean w/ Glitoris
September 23 – The Basement, Canberra w/ Glitoris
October 1 – Off The Rails Festival, Marrickville w/ Amyl and the Sniffers, Mark of Cain, Private Function +
October 7 – Melbourne Pier Festival, Melbourne w/ Hope D +
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Follow DOWNGIRL
Website
Facebook – Insta: @downgirlband – Youtube – Trip
Spotify – Soundcloud – Bandcam
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AMNPLIFY – DB
My nickname is “The Amnplifier”. Why? Because around here my focus is on being a conduit for providing greater outcomes that people come here for. My day to day “work” is living in the moment, and I love helping others concentrate on finding their connection to themselves through their experiences.
Why start a music environment? The truth is I love music, I love writing, and I love life. I work with musicians every day, and I feel certain that I will be until they put me in the ground. I have been managing people in businesses of some sort for over thirty five years so along the way I have developed some “wisdom” from my regular and constant “observations”.
Amnplify your experience. That is what we want you to do here, and if you want to let me know why you do, or don’t, shoot me a message on Facebook.
Hope you enjoy yourself here and find something that hits you somewhere.
